Eick explores the history of a comprehensive high school from the world views of its assorted student body, confronting issues of race, ethnicity, class, gender, nationality, and religion. Her case study examines the continuities and differences in student relationships over five decades. While she discusses the "dark side" of the high school experience, she also presents hopeful signs and alternatives. This history comes alive through rich oral testimonies that contribute to the ongoing search to make high school life a meaningful and constructive experience for young people living in an increasingly complex society.

List of Tables

p. ix

Series Editors' Foreword

p. xi

Preface

p. xv

Acknowledgments

p. xix

Introduction

p. 1

The Divided Generation (1950-1969)

Memories of Class, Race, and Gender Divisions: Immediate Pre- and Post-Desegregation Years

p. 17

Cautiously Negotiating Social Divides: A Conservative Student Body

p. 45

The Border-Crossing Generation (1970-1985)

Memories of Interracial Peer-Group Affiliations: Integration Years

p. 61

Bridging Social Divides Through Peer-Groups: A Socially Tolerant but Politically Inactive Student Body

p. 87

The Redivided Generation (1986-2000)

Memories of Segregation by Class, Race, Nationality, and Religion: Destabilizing Years of Shifting Demographics